Notes: Regier said winger Ville Leino will undergo hip surgery and he expects him to recover fully. The hip sidelined Leino the first 27 games this season. A lung injury shelved him the final 13. … The Sabres kept their eighth overall pick in Monday’s draft lottery. … Black said even as president, he’s not Regier’s boss. Both report to Pegula.

I believe Mike Harrington and Jerry Sullivan were way out of line here, like they usually are. They have a right to ask questions, but being a journalist does not necessitate engaging in sparring matches and intimidating staff. Ask your questions in a reasonable manner, and don’t interrupt other’s questions just so you can argue. There’s a line between a journalist and writing the narrative (“I speak for fans…”). That is simply not the Buffalo New’s job.
I respect your work, Bill, and your impartiality and integrity are far more engaging than the inflammatory writers hired at the Buffalo News, save John Vogl. Keep up the good work.

Good article, Bill. I would like to echo Daniel’s comments. All this bickering became a sideshow, and reporters should have focused their questions on hockey matters. For instance, Darcy was asked about Miller and Vanek, but his answer was vague and deserved more scrutiny. There was one question about the center position, I believe. Darcy also could have been pinned down on off-season needs (is it just more draft picks and prospects, or finding trading partners?).
I also would like to know when did the organization decide to abandon it’s win the cup in three years plan? It was a plan, right? Was it after they failed to land a marquee center two years ago? Are we in year two or three of the new five-year rebuilding plan?

What I heard was a very unprofessional and classless media not asking but targeting Ted Black and Darcy Regeir. Now yes, the management team has some explaining to do but this is not open season on a legitimate business. The media has a place in professional sports. Unfortunately, Mike Harrington and Jerry Sullivan (and many argue Bucky Gleason) are divisive in their writing and characterization of Buffalo sports teams and their management. Asking quality questions and developing quality analysis is expected. What’s not is relegating the entire 50 minute press conference to a verbal attack by those mentioned. There were so many quality questions that could have been asked that weren’t. The media in Buffalo doesn’t protect the fans! Whose kidding who!! Black fortunately for them, bailed them out by apologizing. Black also could have just dismissed their rants as “non-questions/opinions” Instead he argued with them.

One additional comment, I value reading your writing Bill. It has depth, quality analysis and just enough “opinion” to enhance the topic. As a long time reader of the Buffalo News and Courier Express, I commend you. When I’m online, I come here for my reading. Thank you for being a professional.